Taiwan Skilled Job Visa Application Steps
Taiwan (the ROC – Republic of China) is becoming a technological, manufacturing and high-tech industry hub in the world. The key to your successful career in this vibrant economy could be to obtain a Taiwan Skilled Job Visa.
Two Roads to Becoming an Expatriate Worker
The Resident Visa offered due to the employment purposes is usually known as the Taiwan Skilled Job Visa. This is achieved by first getting the power to work either by using two major avenues:
- Standard Work Permit Route: You need your application sponsored by an employer in Taiwan. It is the most popular entry of Foreign Professionals.
- Employment Gold Card Route: This is a 4-in-one card which serves as an Open Work Permit, Resident Visa, Alien Resident Certificate (ARC), and Re-entry Permit. It is non-sponsored and is aimed at the high-level Foreign Special Professionals pursuant to the Act on Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals.
The Standard Employer-Sponsored Route
It is done in a multi-phase application process which requires your Taiwanese employer to lead the first Work Permit.
Get Employment and Pay Requirement (Employer Action)
- A Taiwanese company should sign an Employment Contract or Job Offer Letter first. The position should be an expert or technical one.
- Major Requirement: Minimum Salary The Minimum Salary Requirement (NT$) is frequently obligatory as the employer-sponsored route would demand that the salary of the Foreign Professional must comply with the Minimum Salary Requirement (NT$).
Request the Resident Visa (BOCA/TECO Action)
After the approval of the Work Permit, you (in case abroad) have to seek the Resident Visa in the nearest Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) or mission of the ROC (Taiwan).
- Documents needed: The approved registering letter detailing the Work Permit, original passport, filled visa application form, passport photos and possibly a Health Certificate / Medical Examination and a Certificate of Good Conduct / Criminal Record Check.
- Action: The visa is processed by the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), a department of Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Visa Interview might be necessary.
Taiwan Employment Gold Card
Gold card is the most effective one among the highly-skilled eligible professionals since they do not need Employer Sponsorship.
Application and Qualification Review on-line
The whole process of applying is performed through Foreign Professionals Online Application Platform.
- Application Submission: Choose one out of ten professional areas (e.g., Science & Technology, Economy, Education).
- Qualification Review: Your qualifications are checked by the corresponding authority (e.g., MOL (Economy) or Ministry of Science and Technology (Technology): to qualify as a S-type Gold Card, usually you have to have a high previous salary (e.g., NT$160,000/month average) or exceptional professional experience.
Last Compulsory Action Acquiring the ARC
Whether you came there with Resident Visa or an Employment Gold Card, registering your residence would be the last mandatory process upon arriving in Taiwan.
The ARC Application
It will take you 15 days to get your Alien Resident Certificate (ARC) by you at a local service center of the National Immigration Agency (NIA). The ARC is an official ID card to live in Taiwan.
- Gold Card Holders: Your card is already the ARC (this is why it is the 4-in-1), though you might have to provide your address.
- Resident Visa Holders: You apply to make your visa status physical ARC card.
FAQs
Am I eligible to apply to the Work Permit individually?
No, a normal Work Permit issued on a standardized specialized job has to be applied by your sponsoring employer in Taiwan through the portal WDA. The Taiwan Employment Gold Card is the only non-sponsored one.
What is the largest disparity between the Gold Card and a regular Resident Visa?
The Gold Card is an Open Work Permit; you are not a slave to one employer but can switch jobs at will. Standard Resident Visa is dependent on the employer who sponsored your original Work Permit Sponsorship.
What would become of me in case I lose my job under a regular Resident Visa?
In case of losing the job, your Resident Visa and ARC are normally revoked and you will be allowed a certain time (e.g., 60 days) to get another job to seek a new Working Permit on your behalf, or leave Taiwan.
Does it have an Employment-Seeking Visa?
Yes. Taiwan has visitor visa; this means that a visitor may go to Taiwan to seek employment with a duration of up to six months. Upon getting a job, then you will have to obtain the Conversion to Resident Visa in Taiwan.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan is in the process of attracting foreign talent thus it is one of the best places where skilled professionals will find it very attractive. Just knowing the essence of the difference between the Employer Sponsorship route (Work Permit, then Resident Visa, then ARC) and the simplified Online Application (Gold Card) process, you are already half the way towards achieving your career goals in the ROC (Taiwan). Start checking your documents, your Proof of Work Experience, your Health Certificate, etc.
Disclaimer
The article is informational and educative. It is recommended that all the application requirements, fees, and the existing regulations be ascertained through the official websites of Ministry of Labor (MOL), the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA), the National Immigration Agency (NIA), and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) before any choice is taken.